"Hope and a Future" campaign under way at Mullein Hill Christian Academy

Thursday

Apr 30, 2009 at 7:33 PM

LAKEVILLE — In this economy, you might figure someone trying to raise $100,000 would have to do it on a wing and a prayer.

But at Mullein Hill Christian Academy — where $62,000 has already been donated — they’ve got a different name for the effort: the “Hope and a Future Campaign.”

“For over 15 years, Mullein Hill Christian Academy has impacted hundreds of students with the message of the Gospel wrapped within an academically challenging program,” school officials said, emphasizing that the school “provides a nurturing, encouraging and stimulating educational environment focused on training students to become effective leaders in their schools, homes, communities, churches and workforce.”

But school officials are also well aware of the hardships many are facing in these economically challenging times — and the impact it has had at the academy.

According to Henry Roy, president of Mullein Hill ’s Board of Directors, “The Hope and a Future Fundraising Campaign arose out of the need to raise $100,000 by the end of the school year to offset the decline in enrollment due to the poor economy.

“It’s difficult for many families to pay for a Christian education when they can get a public education for no additional cost,” Roy said. “An alarming number of Christian schools throughout the country have had to close their doors because they just can’t survive.”

For parents who feel strongly about sending their children to a Christian school, officials said Mullein Hill is one of the few remaining ones in the area.

The name for the fundraising campaign was derived from the Bible verses in Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Roy said he is encouraged by the $62,000 that has already been donated from those wanting to support Mullein Hill Christian Academy. “It is great to see God’s people come together to promote the ministry of Christian education,” he said.

Mullein Hill serves approximately 130 students from 18 communities throughout southeastern Massachusetts. Open enrollment is currently in session for full-day pre-K, Kindergarten, and grades 1-8.

Those interested in visiting the school or donating to the Hope and A Future Fund can contact the office of Mullein Hill Christian Academy at 508-946-4566 x12 or visit the Website at www.mhca.net.